additional source Sheppard, C.R.C. (1987). Coral species of the Indian Ocean and adjacent seas: a synonymised compilation and some regional distribution patterns. Atoll Research Bulletin Nr 307 [details]

Description Colonies are encrusting or leafy, sometimes developing large, attractive plates. Papillae are numerous, and irregularly scattered; some sections have almost regular, cerioid calices. Large, leafy specimens may be fairly common on fringing reefs and other reef slopes, where it seems able to live in relatively dim conditions. This species has similarities to M. monasteriata and it has colonies similar to a small M. aequituberculata (Sheppard, 1998).
Colonies are submassive or plate-like. Corallites are small, some exsert, some immersed. Corallites are separated by papillae/tuberculae of about one corallite in diameter. Colour: Usually dull brown or green, may be bright blue. Abundance: common over a wide range of habitats (Veron, 1986).
Grows as extensive crusts or plates. Surface bumps or tubercules are small and papillate. Colour: varies from dull brown or green to blue or purple. Habitat: diverse (Richmond, 1997). [details]